When and Where:
Saturday, July 8 at 4:35pm
GIANTS Stadium | Wangal Country
What it Means for the GIANTS:
The GIANTS moved into 10th on the AFL ladder after a thrilling two-point win over Melbourne in Alice Springs last weekend. The GIANTS appeared destined to fall short with about two minutes left in the final quarter when Josh Kelly marked, played on and launched from close to 60m out to secure a dramatic 7.5 (47) to 5.15 (45) win. The win over Melbourne is the GIANTS’ third consecutive win in a row and has Adam Kingsley’s side only four points outside the eight.
Last Time We Met:
Harry Himmelberg had a final two minutes to remember, taking a spectacular contested mark, kicking the winning major and making a desperate save on the goal line to seal a two-point win for the GIANTS over Hawthorn earlier this year. It was a case of death by a thousand cuts for the Hawks, the GIANTS kicking 4.6 in the final term to lock up the 10.17 (77) to 11.9 (75) come-from-behind victory at Norwood Oval.Himmelberg soared high above James Sicily 30m out from goal, directly in front, and steadied his nerves to take the win with 90 seconds remaining. Jarman Impey looked to have pinched back the game with a late bomb from 50, but Himmelberg – thrown down the other end for the final minute – saved the day with a back-bending touch on the goal line to secure a famous GIANTS win.
Giants hero Harry Himmelberg comes back to earth to discuss his part in the Giants' incredible win over the Hawks.#AFLGiantsHawks pic.twitter.com/CEQkNuMHFl
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 16, 2023
Where’s the opposition at?
Carlton made light work of Hawthorn on Sunday afternoon, downing the Hawks 17.10 (112) to 7.10 (52) at the MCG. Sam Mitchell’s side, who currently sit 16th on the AFL ladder, could recall defender Jarman Impey after he was a late withdrawal last weekend.
GIANTS Player to Watch:
Young GIANTS ruckman Kieren Briggs was tasked with competing against Melbourne’s star big men Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy over the weekend – who boast a combined eight All-Australians between them. But rather than shirking the job at hand, Briggs stood up to the challenge and showed why he is a ruck on the rise. The 23-year-old finished with an equal game-high 19 hit-outs, five clearances and six tackles for the GIANTS.
In the Mix:
The GIANTS will regain Lachie Whitfield from a one-match suspension this weekend with small forward Brent Daniels also a chance to return. Daniels, who played 11 of the first 12 games for the GIANTS this season, kicking 17 goals across that period, will face a fitness test later this week. Matt Flynn and James Peatling impressed in the VFL, with veteran Phil Davis also a standout after returning from a calf complaint.
VFL:
GIANTS v Box Hill Hawks
Saturday, July 8 at 12:55pm
GIANTS Stadium | Wangal Country
All VFL matches will be live streamed free on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.
Visit: afl.com.au/stream-vfl and follow the links. All matches will be available to watch on demand.
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead Saturday’s clash with Hawthorn, here.
Where to watch:
Saturday’s match will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally and on 7Mate in NSW and the ACT from 4:30pm.